Dallas’ White Rock Creek / Lake Trail is without question both the longest and most heavily-used trail in North Texas. The trail has a total length of 17.1 miles with 9.5 miles winding around White Rock Lake and the rest of the trail goes north from the Lake for 7.6 miles up to Hillcrest/LBJ Freeway in North Dallas. It is very popular with serious cyclists and novice week-end bike-riders, as well as with runners, skaters and Sunday walkers. This trail offers people long distances and scenic views of a large lake located in the heart of our city with 1.2 million people. Parking, water fountains, restrooms, and picnic areas are available at the trail’s northern entrance at Hillcrest/Valley View and at various locations around the lake.
The 4 mile trip down from Harry Moss Park to White Rock Lake is quite scenic as it follows the White Rock Creek as it meanders through the greenbelt of trees . It passes under all major roads, avoiding any traffic lights or stop signs. Wildlife is also abundant with raccoons, coyotes, rabbits, and squirrels throughout the dense forest.
One reason for the popularity of the White Rock Trail is that it serves as the spine for many other of Dallas’ City trails, including the Cottonwood Trail, the Sante Fe trail, the Northaven Trail, and even a recent connection to the ever popular Katy Trail.
The trail has an active Friends of White Rock Creek trail group whose purpose is to represent the large number of trail users, and work with the City’s Park and Recreation Department to keep the trail safe and enjoyable for all users. The trail has numerous 911 markers all along to ensure quick location identification for emergency services, if needed. The group is also advocating the widening of the trail to 12 feet from start to finish, which will enhance its safety and allow for increasing number of users, especially on weekends.
More information on the Friends of White Rock Creek trail group can be found on their Facebook or Instagram page, and on their website. The group encourages all trail users to join and sign up, as this will increase the Groups’ ability to speak up on behalf of their users.
